The government is studying whether to raise fees for its services, Finance Minister Anas Al-Saleh said in comments published by the local Al-Rai newspaper yesterday. Saleh said the study was part of a project to rationalize spending, review subsidies and diversify sources of revenue.

He also said that any increase in service fees or gasoline prices would be decided by the Cabinet rather than through parliamentary legislation, but that the Cabinet would consult lawmakers on issues that required legislation, according to Al-Rai. The minister said increasing service fees is a complex issue that needs careful economic and technical studies, adding that the goal is to secure stability, whether oil prices continue to fall or rise.